Valeant Pharmaceuticals: An Inorganic Growth Story

Valeant’s history

In 1994, ICN Pharmaceuticals, ICN Biomedicals, SPI Pharmaceuticals, and Viratek merged to form ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc. In 2003, it changed its name to Valeant Pharmaceuticals International.

In September 2010, Biovail, a Canadian pharmaceutical company, acquired Valeant, and the combined entity retained the name Valeant Pharmaceuticals International. Valeant then shifted its headquarters from the United States to Canada.

Growth through acquisitions

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (VRX) has grown inorganically through highly leveraged acquisitions. From 2008 to 2015, it acquired more than 100 companies. Some of its major acquisitions include the following: